Outback Steakhouse Chicken

 

Outback Steakhouse Chicken – Ingredients and Preparation

The Outback Steakhouse Chicken is a carefully crafted dish that balances multiple flavors, textures, and cooking techniques to produce a rich, indulgent, and visually appealing entrée. To begin, selecting the right ingredients is crucial to ensure that the final dish replicates the classic restaurant experience.

Chicken Breasts

Use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are ideal because they cook relatively quickly, remain lean, and absorb seasonings effectively. For this dish, the goal is to maintain a tender interior while achieving a lightly browned exterior. Even thickness is important, so consider pounding the breasts lightly to uniformity. This step ensures even cooking, preventing some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.

Mushrooms

Sliced mushrooms contribute a layer of umami and moisture to the dish. Approximately 1 cup is recommended. Mushrooms release water as they cook, which adds natural flavor to the chicken and prevents dryness. Use fresh mushrooms for maximum flavor; if frozen mushrooms are used, ensure they are thawed and excess liquid is drained to avoid excess moisture in the final dish.

Bacon

Six strips of bacon, cooked until crisp and halved, provide smoky, salty, and crunchy textures that contrast beautifully with the tender chicken and gooey cheese. Frying the bacon slowly over medium heat allows it to crisp without burning. Drain excess fat using paper towels to prevent greasiness. Bacon should be added on top of the chicken during the baking process to retain its crispness while still infusing flavor.

Cheese

Three cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese create a rich, creamy layer over the chicken, mushrooms, and bacon. Cheese contributes both flavor and texture. It should be evenly spread to cover all components, ensuring that it melts into a cohesive layer. Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for superior melting and taste.

Seasoning and Parsley

Season All seasoning (½ teaspoon) is used to marinate the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors and creating a balanced base. Two teaspoons of freshly chopped parsley are added at the end for color, freshness, and subtle herbaceous notes. The parsley should be added just before serving to preserve its bright green color and delicate aroma.

Honey Mustard Sauce

To complement the richness of the chicken, bacon, and cheese, a tangy honey mustard sauce is prepared. Ingredients include ½ cup prepared mustard, ¼ cup light corn syrup, ¼ cup honey, and ¼ cup mayonnaise. This combination balances sweet and tangy flavors while providing a creamy consistency. Whisk until smooth. The sauce can be served on the side for dipping or drizzled over the finished dish.

Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan – non-stick or cast iron for even heat distribution.
• Oven-safe baking dish – to bake the chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements of ingredients.
• Mixing bowl – to whisk the honey mustard sauce thoroughly.
• Knife and cutting board – to slice mushrooms, chop parsley, and prepare bacon.
• Tongs or spatula – for flipping chicken and handling bacon.

Marination Process

Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with the Season All seasoning. Ensure that each side and edge of the chicken is coated uniformly. Place the seasoned chicken in a covered container or plate and refrigerate for at least one hour. Marination allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat, resulting in a deeper, more flavorful dish. Longer marination can enhance tenderness and juiciness but should not exceed four hours for optimal results. Proper refrigeration during marination ensures food safety and flavor development.

Outback Steakhouse Chicken – Cooking the Chicken and Preparing Bacon

Cooking the Bacon

Begin by preparing the bacon strips. Place six strips of bacon in a cold skillet to start, which allows the fat to render slowly and ensures even crisping. Fry over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is golden brown and crisp. Avoid high heat, as this can cause uneven cooking and burnt spots. Once the bacon reaches the desired crispiness, remove it carefully from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Halve the strips lengthwise to create manageable pieces for layering over the chicken later. The bacon’s smoky aroma will complement the other ingredients, while the crispy texture adds contrast to the tender chicken.

Pan-Frying the Chicken

After the chicken has marinated for at least one hour, it is time to pan-fry. Use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan for even heat distribution. Add a small amount of cooking oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet carefully to prevent splattering. Allow each side to cook for 4-5 minutes without moving it to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken using tongs to ensure even browning on both sides. Proper pan-frying seals in juices, giving the chicken a moist interior and flavorful crust. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this reduces temperature and may cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

While the chicken cooks, sauté the mushrooms in a separate skillet. Use 1 cup of fresh sliced mushrooms and a teaspoon of butter or oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and turn golden brown. This process concentrates the mushroom flavor and reduces excess moisture, preventing the final dish from becoming soggy. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural umami of the mushrooms. Properly sautéed mushrooms will provide a rich, earthy flavor that complements the chicken and bacon without overpowering them.

Assembling the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare an oven-safe baking dish. Place the pan-fried chicken breasts evenly in the dish. Layer the sautéed mushrooms over the chicken, distributing them uniformly to ensure every bite contains the earthy mushroom flavor. Next, add the halved bacon strips, arranging them strategically to cover the chicken and mushrooms without crowding. Finally, generously sprinkle 3 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top. Ensure complete coverage to allow the cheese to melt into a cohesive, gooey layer that binds the chicken, mushrooms, and bacon together. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, indulgent texture characteristic of Outback Steakhouse Chicken.

Baking the Chicken

Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 5-8 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken or burn the cheese. The goal is to achieve a perfectly melted, lightly golden cheese layer while maintaining a juicy, tender chicken interior. For a slightly crispier top, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Preparing the Honey Mustard Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare the honey mustard sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup prepared mustard, ¼ cup light corn syrup, ¼ cup honey, and ¼ cup mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This sauce provides the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly creamy notes that complement the savory richness of the chicken, bacon, and cheese. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to preference. The sauce can be served on the side or drizzled lightly over the chicken just before serving. This step ensures that the dish maintains the classic Outback flavor profile with an indulgent, restaurant-quality finish.

Finishing Touches

Once the cheese has melted and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped parsley over the top for color, freshness, and subtle herbaceous aroma. This final garnish elevates the visual presentation and adds a delicate flavor contrast to the rich, cheesy, and smoky elements of the dish. Serve the Outback Steakhouse Chicken hot, accompanied by the honey mustard sauce. Pair with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.